January - June 2004
Back To Metro Page •Azure Bistro... •Bear Rock Cafe... •Belly General Store... •Big Mama Fish House •Brown Bag Cafe •CB South Bar & Grill... •Compound... •The Corner Pub... •e2 Coffeehouse & Cyber Cafe... •Elbow Room... •Electra, A Retro Lounge... •Fortune Berry •Gourmet Market •Jake's Muncheteria •Johnboy's Homestyle •Laseter's Tavern... •Ledo Pizza... •Mac's Menu... •Muse... •Olde Towne Tavern •Pepperoni's Tavern •Shuffles... •Sidebar... •Urban Grounds... •Vocelli's Pizza... •Willy's Mexicana Grill... Back To Home Page		METRO ATLANTA - January 2004 Azure: High-end continental in a casual setting Azure Bistro... Opens in former Joli Kobe Restaurant on Roswell Road Bear Rock Cafe... Brings mountain stuffed sandwiches to Peachtree Battle Belly General Store... Former Fleeman's Pharmacy in Virginia Highlands Ledo Pizza... Maryland-based pizza company moves intoDuluth contributions by toni m. lublin & hud report staff writers Azure Bistro, North Atlanta's newest casual dining concept, has opened in Sandy Springs featuring high-end Continental cuisine in a friendly, neighborhood setting. Azure Bistro is located just inside I-285 on Roswell Road in the Prado Plaza between Kobe Steaks and Frankie's in the former Joli Kobe Restaurant location. Joli Kobe Bakery still resides next door. Chefs Robert Guillou and Maxime Kien have crafted together an eclectic menu including appetizers such as Tuna Tartar, Mussels in Curried Apple Sauce or the Croustade of Escargot. Entrees include such diverse dishes as hanger steak in cracked peppercorn sauce, open lobster ravioli and the porcini tortelini with braised veal. All of the items on Azure's menu can also be enjoyed with wines specially selected by renouned sommelier Mr. Phillipe Buttin. Azure Bistro, 5600 Roswell Road, 404.843.3257 is open everday for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. "Stuff people, not bears" The Bear Rock Cafe in Peachtree Battle Shopping Center on Peachtree Road has all that good stuff: soups, huge sandwiches, rich desserts and even loaded baked potatoes in a mountain lodge atmosphere. It even serves breakfast. The setup is a familiar one for casual dining. After you order and pay for your food at the counter, you find a seat and your name is called when your food is ready. Fountain sodas are self-serve so you can get as many refills as your heart desires. The restaurant is also clearly ready for kids with a couple of TVs in the dining area and plenty of highchairs. You can get your food to go, if you prefer. Choosing a meal may take a minute or two as the menu features 16 sandwiches (two are vegetarian), eight salads, soups and mix-and-match options The Bear Rock Cafe is located at 2355 Peachtree Road, 404.816.5515. 'Belly' up A new store, with an old concept has opened in a Historic Atlanta location, Belly General Store. Fleeman's Pharmacy (and its famous soda fountain) was a hot spot in Atlanta for many years. The pharmacy was originally built in 1914 as Atkins Park Pharmacy and became Cox & Baucom in the 1930s. At that time 'counter culture' was at its height and provided a space where neighbors, politicians and teenagers networked, exchanged gossip and built their community. Today, meet Melanie Manning - Storekeeper of Belly General Store in the former Fleeman's space. Manning's vision for Belly General Store is to introduce Atlantans to the comfort foods and artisan crafts that she has discovered on her journeys both near and far. She hopes to create a space where neighbors can meet, create community and pause for a moment to enjoy the refined simplicity. On her travels she has sought out local culture rather than heading for the usual tourist attractions. She has developed a penchant for the local artisan crafts and culinary delights that make each part of the world unique, be it southern Georgia or the south of France. Now, meet Raymond Hook - Deputy Storekeeper of Belly General Store. Respected by many for his expertise in fine artisan cheeses, Hook is known by his clients simply as "The Cheese Guy." Hook is known to only support products that he strongly believes in. He can now be found daily at Belly General Store, imparting fine foods wisdom with a big grin. Saveur Magazine recognized Raymond Hook as one of their 100 favorite people, places or things in their January/February 2002 issue. Hook has also been featured on The TV Food Networks Extreme Cuisine special as well as in publications including Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chef, Cooking Light, Food Arts, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, and Specialty Food Magazine, just to name a few. Rooted in the community, Hook is also the host for the Atlanta Food Bank's Simple Abundance Cooking Class Series and serves as Chairman of Atlanta's Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The building, with its renowned, vintage-style Coca-Cola mural remains an Atlanta landmark and Manning and Hook have truly strived to preserve the essence of the pharmacy as a whole by taking a community-based approach to the business. Belly General Store is located 772 N.Highland Avenue, 404.872.1003. You can also visit www.bellystore.com for more information. Ledo due Growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, my all time favorite place to eat pizza was at Ledo. The original College Park, Maryland location opened in 1955. People happily lined up at the door and were known to drive from as far as 50 miles away to have a Ledo pizza. The owners expanded with more locations. To keep up with demand in 1989 the business became a franchise. Today there are 68 locations. Word that Ledo was opening in Atlanta made me a happy camper. Die-hard pizza lovers are in for a treat. A Ledo's pizza has a flaky thin piecrust, almost like pie dough and a sweet sauce. The cheese is smoked provolone versus mozzarella. A small pizza is $4.75, medium $7.75 and large $11.95. Toppings range from .50¢ - $1. The square pieces are served on what resembles cafeteria trays. Atlanta-based Ledo franchisee, Gordon Davis says, "Our motto is we don't cut corners. Our pizza is square and offers 40 percent more pizza than a traditional round pizza." In 1997 Davis moved to Atlanta from Maryland when his company transferred him. He was familiar with the Ledo business. His cousins operate three successful units in Maryland, which they opened nine years ago. "We are more like a family Italian restaurant and cater to the community," says Davis. Being a franchisee gives each owner the flexibility to create his or her own interior environment but the recipe is constant from unit to unit. Also on the menu are a selection of subs, sandwiches, chicken wings and various other pasta selections. "Ledo pizza is unique. You have to try it at least once and then you are hooked," says Davis. He plans to open 3 to 5 more units within the next year. Ledo Pizza & Pasta is located at 10900 Medlock Bridge in Duluth, 770.814.5330. Hours are Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. For more information visit www.ledopizza.com METRO ATLANTA - FEBRUARY 2004 Multi-themed on the horizon Compound... Multi-themed complex offers a little of everything The Corner Pub... Joins Oakhurst community in Decatur e2 Coffeehouse & Cyber Cafe... Corner Pub's neighbor in Decatur Vocelli's Pizza... Delivery-only franchise in Duluth Sidebar... Opens in Fairlie-Poplar district downtown Willy's Mexicana Grill... No. 12 opens at Mall of Georgia in Buford contributions by toni m. lublin & hud report staff writers What could be Atlanta's hottest new retail, restaurant and special events facility is located in what is essentially an industrial section of town, The Westside. As more pioneers have continued to purchase vacant sites, they have converted old warehouses and other motley buildings into high-end lofts and begun building multimillion-dollar projects, such as the Atlantic Station. The most recent large-scale project, which will be completed by early March 2004, is an 11,000 square-foot special events facility and nightclub, called Compound. The three building, state-of-the art, Asian-Industrial inspired, multi-facility complex and outdoor gardens are located on Brady Avenue (off Howell Mill road), minutes from midtown, downtown, Atlantic Station, the future Aquarium and the Georgia Tech campus. Owner Mike Boles purchased the complex in 1999 with the ambition of moving his car dealership, MB1 to the space. In July 2002, he put his ideas in motion and began the design phase of the project. He brought on board Wes Lambert, former general manager of Jack Rabbit Lounge and Tongue and Groove in Buckhead, as general manager. Boles' limited partner is Southern Hospitality Management, who has corporate expertise in executing large-scale events. "We have not even opened and have booked eight events for 2004," says Boles. From the street, Compound has a discreet bamboo fence which slides open to greet guests to a spacious granite Japanese inspired garden, called "Tenshi" (Japanese angel). Black bamboo trees and Japanese maples are used within and around the gardens. A fog pond incorporating a fiber-optic lighting design and a 50-foot reflective pool are artfully landscaped in the space. Multiple hidden speakers carry music into the garden, so guests can lounge, drink and take a dip. Each building and garden is equipped with its own audio system and DJ area for live and recorded music, as well as its own video system. "We will serve shooters from a Compound cart in the Tenshi Garden and have five bartender stations set up for convenience. As an added attraction, we will also have a few exotic cars parked for sale next to the garden," says Boles. The first building you enter is a nonsmoking living room space with a color kinetics lighting system, "This LED lighting system can project up to 16.7 million different colors and interact with the three video screens in the space," says Boles. The interior is equipped with a modern stainless steel appliance kitchen, living room, sushi bar and separate loft, making the space more of a lounging, intimate space to listen to tunes. The loft will be available to rent and is equipped with its own lavatory, steam shower and state-of-the-art stereo and TV. As you leave through the backside you enter a patio and terrace area which has outdoor seating and an outdoor bar service. This is where the serious dance action begins for around 500 people. Two large strobe lit bars line the wall. Seating platforms can be converted into a runway and there are 21 screens, which surround the room and are backlit with LED lighting and outfitted with individual projectors. The third phase of the project, which faces the railroad tracks is called Rail and will be completed by the year-end of 2004. Almost like an airplane hanger interior, Rail is the largest of the three buildings and will be a multipurpose venue that can accommodate live performances or trade shows. The space also has a large white marble garden, which faces the railroad tracks. Perpendicular to the building is Yama No Kami, a 20 x 100 outdoor garden, and an area that you can listen to Jazz and chill after dancing all night. "We want to remain a little mysterious and really cater to the tastemakers, celebrities and be the "it" site for corporate and special event occasions," says Boles. Compound is located at 1008 Brady Avenue, 404.872.4621. www.compoundatl.com Corner Pub opens Drawing inspiration from the architectural details of the site, owners Joshua and Beth Elrod opened The Corner Pub in a historic 1926 Decatur strip center. "The pub has a lot of character, from the pressed tin ceiling to the old church pews we converted into seating," says Joshua. The 1,500-foot interior is very cozy and has been a crowd-puller for the locals. "It's a great location. We are away from downtown in a neighborhood that is making a comeback. A lot of young couples are moving in and fixing up the old houses and I saw a need for a place like this for people to gather and hang out." says Elrod. Elrod built a 15 foot back-bar with oversized mantel which is the focal point inside the pub. The six tables and church pews that line the wall make the interior inviting and a jukebox provides the musical entertainment. The menu offers basics such as burger and fries along with not-so-basics such as pork chops served with real pesto mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus, along with vegetarian dishes. "We want to be the neighborhood pub, where you can come in a couple of nights a week, eat and hang out with your friends," says Elrod. A Sunday brunch has also received a strong response with homemade buttermilk blueberry pancakes and jams, French toast and bacon as well as pork chops and eggs, all popular choices. The Corner Pub is located at 910 West College Avenue, 404.377.5032. Hours are Tuesday - Thursday 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday 3 p.m. to 4 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 a.m. Cyber Coffee opens Along with BaddaBing! and The Corner Pub, e2 Coffeehouse & Cyber Cafe has set up shop on W. College Avenue in the Oakhurst community of Decatur as well. Owner Eddie Lovick's community-oriented Internet cafe is a place to hang out and have some coffee along with your wireless Internet access. Flavored coffees, espresso, cappuccino, lattes and Italian coffee are the mainstay along with the coffeehouse aromas and featured artwork from local artists. Pastries from Southern Sweets and Sweet Street Pastries are also available. Free Internet access and training to children and the elderly in the community is also being offered by Lovick. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mondays - Fridays; 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sundays. e2 is located at 908 W. College Avenue, 404.378.0204. Vocelli's delivers Vocelli's Pizza is a fast growing 'delivery-only' franchise, which was begun in Pittsburgh, Pa in 1988 by Harry Ablak and his two sons Varol and Seckin. Today Vocelli's has over 100 locations in Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The greater metro area is scheduled to open 16 units over the next two years and will be operated under franchisee, Jay (Sanjay) Patel and his cousin Nipul Pate. The first unit opened in Duluth in December 2003. "What makes Vocelli's unique is the product and the operational structure of the company," says Patel Orders are taken at a call center which enables the employees to focus only on preparing the orders. "When a customer calls they don't get put on hold or hear a lot of noise, or get the wrong order, because the calls are handled by a call center," says Patel. The high quality ingredients which are used in the pizzas ($10.99 - $14.99), strombolis ($6.99), panini subs ($5.99), salads ($2.99 - $4.99) and wings ($5.99 - $16.99) is also part of why Vocelli's has been successful. The pizza dough is mixed with extra virgin olive oil, hand-tossed daily to create a thin crust pie and topped with a signature sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes and covered with 100 percent real (mozzarella) cheese. Each pie is then finished with a choice of toppings from fresh snow-white mushrooms, crisp green peppers to savory pepperoni and farm-fresh sausage. Customers can also select from a gourmet pizzas such as Chicken Spinaci, Philly Steak, Broccoli Chicken and Garlic Spinaci. The Duluth location is at 3631 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., 678.473.9775. They will deliver within a five-mile radius. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., www.vocellipizza.com Willy's wows 'em Willy's Mexicana Grill, one of Atlanta's original California-style burrito restaurants starting in 1995, continues to expand with the opening of its 12th metro location. The new restaurant is located in the Village Shops at the Mall of Georgia. Plans have also been announced for a Kennesaw location on Barrett Parkway slated to open late February, early March. The new locations coincide with the introduction of three new menu items: Adobe chicken, burrito in a bowl and taco bar to-go. Adobe chicken is fire grilled after being marinated in a blend of ancho chilies, cumin, onions, garlic, chipotle peppers and oregano. The burrito in a bowl was created as a lighter, low carbohydrate dining option. The customers favorite burrito ingredients are layered in a bowl, without the tortilla. Willy's new taco bar to-go is for social gatherings or business functions of any size. Eliminating the need to take individual orders, each taco bar includes ingredients, equipment and utensils. All that's required is 24-hour notice, number of guests and meat selections. Having sold over a million burritos to Atlantans last year, President Willy Bitter comments on his latest openings, "When I opened the first Willy's, I was confident it would find an audience among those seeking fresh California-style burritos. What I didn't anticipate at the time was the tremendous growth in the fast-casual segment as it applied to this type of food. Willy's will continue to gorw so long as we're able to maintain the qulaity of food and service our customers have come to expect from us." For more information on any of Willy's 12 locations, visit www.willys.com. Sidebar downtown Jose Navarro and Mat Tainow have partnered to open their first venture together &emdash; Sidebar, a casual, neighborhood place to eat, drink and watch sports. Located in the heart of the Fairlie-Poplar district Downtown at 79 Poplar Street, Sidebar is decorated with photos of Atlanta from the 1800s to the 1960s. The casual menu consists of sandwiches, appetizers and entree salads prepared from Navarro's family recipes including appetizers and sides of bocadillo cubano (pressed Cuban sandwich), plantain chips and pasta salad. Salads include mojo chicken and Sibebar's specialty sandwiches round out the selection. Sidebar is open 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Tuesdays - Thursdays; 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. Fridays; noon - 2 a.m. Saturdays and 12:30 p.m. - midnight Sundays. 404.588.1850, www.sidebaratlanta.com. METRO ATLANTA • MARCH 2004 C B South Bar & Grill enters Dunwoody market CB South Bar & Grill... Arrives from Crested Butte, Colorado Mac's Menu... Gourmet take-out and catering in Alpharetta Urban Grounds... Coffee, pastry shop opens in Avondale Estates contributions by toni m. lublin & hud report staff writers Sean Hartigan recently opened his second CB South Bar and Grill in the Shops of Dunwoody shopping center (see page 8). The first unit opened three years ago in Crested Butte, Colorado. "We moved back to Atlanta because my wife and I both have a lot of family here and we felt the CB South Bar and Grill concept would do well in this family oriented area," says Hartigan. The fare is a medley of Caribbean with a southwestern flair. "We have a big menu with a lot of variety so as to appeal to all tastes," says Hartigan. Entree items include teriyaki chicken bowl ($8) made with marinated skinless boneless chicken thighs glazed in teriyaki sauce, served 'Hawaiian Style' over rice; Fish Tacos served San Diego style with black beans and rice ($8); Cajun chicken pasta served in a Cajun cream sauce and a side of garlic bread ($9). Healthy salads also abound such as cilantro chicken salad ($8), pan seared Ahi salad with jalapeno vinaigrette ($9) and crawfish Caesar salad ($8). Dressings are also a specialty of CB's and are available for take-home. "In Colorado we have really become known for our homemade dressings," says Hartigan. Unusual varieties include coconut curry, cilantro ranch and jalapeno vinaigrette. Haritgan's executive chef, Bill Simmons, was formerly executive chef at 201 Courtland and Mvp Bar & Lounge. Chef Simmons credits include recently being named by the NAACP as one of few selected Top Chefs in Atlanta. The casual interior reflects elements of the Colorado lifestyle including snow skis on the wall, built in birch tables and hardwood floors. There is also a Caribbean flair with the use of bright colors in green, yellow and red. A small stage was incorporated for acoustical 'Jimmy Buffet-type' entertainment. The lounge area features 13 high-bar tables and a causal neighborhood appeal. Attention to detail is important to Hartigan; right down to the way the drinks look. "We make an award winning Bloody Mary that looks like a salad," says Hartigan. CB South Bar and Grill is located at 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, 770.828.0335. Kitchen hours are Sunday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mac's Menu It's nice to go out and eat but sometimes you just want to enjoy a good home cooked meal. Better yet, with the perks of not having to cook. This is where Mac's Menu comes in. A new gourmet takeout and catering business that opened in January and is owned by Chef Mark (Mac) McAninch. "I got the idea because I know there are a lot of dual income couples with children living in the Alpharetta area who don't have time to cook when they get home. With my family meals my customers call (or email) ahead and arrange a time to pick up their order. When they arrive I have their order coming out of the oven, bagged, hot and ready to go, simple as that," says McAninch. The friendly, outgoing chef (who also has a degree in Sports Medicine) has an impressive work dossier. Most recently he was the executive chef at the gourmet food store BadaBing in Decatur. Prior to that he has worked in the kitchen at several Ritz-Carlton locations including Florida, Buckhead and downtown Atlanta, the later as the chef at the Cafe. His experience also includes sous chef at Pano's & Paul's under chef Paul Albrecht and as executive chef for a restaurant in Caracas, Venezuela. "I like the fact that I'm not a big chain and have the freedom to design the menu with different choices daily," says McAninch. Family meals (feeds 4-6) come with a quart of soup-of-the-day and a house or Caesar salad, homemade sides and bread. Meals include golden roasted turkey with whipped potatoes, served with carrots, green beans and homemade gravy ($34.95), Asian barbecued salmon filet ($44.95), Mac's meatloaf ($32.95) and herb crusted roasted chicken ($34.95). "My background also includes being a nutritionist, so all my meals are very well balanced," says McAninch. You can always expect to have a choice of three soups at Mac's. A rotation of soups includes Tomato basil with goat cheese, chicken corn tortilla, seafood medley chowder, slow roasted lobster bisque, twice baked potato puree and a cold soup - chilled lemon dill cucumber. They all taste amazing. "I cook down all my stocks with an emphasis on using everything fresh. I don't use any preservatives or bases," says the chef. Soups range from $4.25 (pint) to $8.50 (quart). In addition to the family meals the menu has a large selection of meats, poultry, seafood, pasta, salads, made-to-order sandwiches and vegetarian dishes. A must try is the meat and three cheese lasagna ($7.50) with fresh marinara sauce. It's so hearty you can't finish it in one seating. Don't miss the horseradish crusted grouper which is served on sauteed fennel with garlic whipped potatoes and a citrus beurre blanc ($10.95) or the pepper crusted beef tenderloin served with whipped potatoes, wild mushrooms and green beans tossed in garlic oil ($10.95). If you happen to stop in around breakfast or lunchtime you should try the muesli ($4.25 -$8.00), a healthy combination of oats with almonds, pecans, apples, raisins, cinnamon, brown sugar, honey and whole milk. It's a meal and good anytime of day. The pastry chef, Melissa Spalding reins from New Orleans and makes to-die-for desserts. Her specialties include chocolate bread pudding made with a praline kahlua sauce ($3) and a very soft and light Mel's rum cakes ($3) with caramelized rum on the bottom of the cake. Catering and personal chef engagements are also part of McAninch's business. He can accommodate from 10 to 350 guests. "No party is too small or two large. I just did a party for Delta and had 16 different entree choices," says McAninch. Mac's Menu is located at 11130 State Bridge Road, Suite B-102, 678.240.0991, www.macs menu.com. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Urban Grounds A hip new coffee joint opened in Atlanta last November offering patrons the best in gourmet coffee from Dillano's, a Seattle, Washington brand. The owners, sisters Tara Goldman and Colette Samara, set up shop in Avondale Estates, "We always wanted a coffee shop and Colette and I have very similar tastes, so the concept just came together," says Goldman. Serving breakfast and lunch the 1,000 square-foot shop is set up to be loungy with cozy sofas and an eatery in another area. "We used colors and materials to give it a feel between retro and industrial," says Goldman. The breakfast menu includes bagels and an assortment of egg dishes, but the specialty is the Panini. The sisters offer a chocolate Panini that is very popular for breakfast and as a dessert at lunch. "Our lunch Panini have really taken off," says Goldman. The Panini sandwiches are made on Ciabbata bread, pressed on a hot grill and served with California pasta or chips. Choices include the Southwestern ($5.95), the Urbanini - which is roast chicken breast, provolone, sundried tomatoes, red pepper pesto ($6.25) and of course the Cuban. Panini's range from $5.25 - $6.25. Every Wednesday Michelle Friedman plays guitar as patrons drink their espresso drinks, from Cafe Lattes to a more unusual Funky Monkey - cafe mocha with banana syrup topped with whipped cream and walnuts. There are 12 espresso drinks to choose from as well as brewed coffee and iced drinks. Alternative coffee drinks includes steamer, chai and hot caramel cider. A range of Dillano's coffees and espressos are available for purchase. Urban Grounds is located at 38 North Avondale Road, 404.499.2136, www.urbangrounds.net. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m and Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. METRO ATLANTA - APRIL 2004 A Buckhead favorite gets a concept update The Elbow Room Sports Pub & Pizzeria... New concept unveiled Electra, A Retro Lounge... Newest Buckhead martini bar-lounge Laseter's Tavern... Neighborhood Tavern opens in Kennesaw MUSE... Atlanta's first Art Cafe opens in the Highlands Shuffles... Winder's Cadillac Country Club has new owners contributions by toni m. lublin & hud report staff writers Since moving to Atlanta in 1993, Joseph Bonanno has been involved with many of Buckhead's most well-known restaurants and bars including the Brookwood Grill and the Elbow Room. His 20-plus years in the business has earned him a loyal customer following. Since taking over in August 2003 Joseph Bonanno and his partner, attorney G. Michael Smith, have been busy updating the Elbow Room on Pharr Road. "We have completely updated the inside, added a new granite bar, renovated the kitchen and put in 8 satellite TVs and two big screens," says Bonanno. The 1,400 square-foot pub also has a large deck to seat 50 which is being fitted with cool summer misters. By early spring, the front deck facing Pharr Road will be filled with happy patrons enjoying the amenities. In addition to the interior and exterior updating, the menu has been reworked. "We are going more towards a sports pub and have tried to capture that 'old school' New York pub feeling inside," says Bonanno. Part of the nostalgia is captured in photos of the Brat Pack and other memorabilia that decorates the walls. Bonanno's March 13th Saint Patty's Day party was an all-day event that featured a hamburger/hotdog cookout, Guinness's beer promotion and the YG house band. The next major event will be the opening day party for the Braves games in early April. A loyal following also turns out when football season rolls around, "We are the official home to The Oakland Raiders fan club and the Elbow Room also hosts the pre and post game parties for Penn State Alumni," says Bonanno. On the menu is authentic brick oven New York-style pizza from 12" to 16" pies. "We make our pizza's with water from New York, that's the secret to a great crust," says Bonanno. His chef, Dennis Mancinelli previously owned Pizza Fiore. "I come from an Italian family and learned how to make pizza from my grandmother," says Mancinelli. Using the best ingredients Mancinelli also offers homemade bread, Calzone and a great range of specialty pizzas ($10.25 - $18.75) including his original "Quattro," a four-in-one pie that includes marinated olives and sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, panchetta, fried peppers, basil leaves, ham, ricotta and fresh oregano. Additional specialty pizzas include the Margherita, and a thin crust Bianca (white pizza), Veggie and Meatlovers. Calzones ($4 -$9) include meatlovers, veggie and cheese. A large selection of sandwiches (from Italian club to Philly cheesesteak) and salads are also available. Customers seem happy with the changes at The Elbow Room Sports Pub & Pizzeria. "Our food business is up and we are seeing great retention of our customers coming back again and again," says Bonanno. The Elbow Room Sports Pub and Pizzeria is located at 248 Pharr Road, 404. 231.3308. Hours are Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. The kitchen remains open until closing. Electra: A Retro Lounge Capturing the retro-vintage vibe is the new Buckhead martini bar-lounge, Electra, that opened late February in Buckhead. Owners Monica and Bill Blaylock have created an upscale, swanky interior using original furnishings from the 1940s, 50s and 60s from renowned designers of the heyday such as Richard Hutton and George Nelson. The couple's vision was to create an environment that attracted the elite and stylish Buckhead crowd whose sophisticated tastes will appreciate the classic champagne cocktails and an international drink menu. "The drink menu is really over the top. It is a compilation of drinks I have sampled in my international travels. What is really hot right now and making a revival are champagne cocktails and real mint juleps," says Monica. Popular in the 1920s, the classic Champagne cocktails are served in six variations at Electra. A sampling includes The Champagne Charlie, which combines apricot brandy and champagne. For a sexy Parisian twist there is the French 45, or beyond that go to the French Rivera with the Monte Carlo Imperiale for a fast and rich experience of creme de menthe and gin with champagne and lemon. Another classic brought back at Electra is the Mint Julep, touted as the only place a gentlemen can find a proper mint julep Electra bartenders prepare the drink the old-fashion way, mixing fine Kentucky bourbon and fresh mint. Five high-profile martinis round out the drink offerings from the fruity Cherry or Apricot Martini to a more Asian inspired Sake-Tini. The older home where Electra is located is the perfect backdrop for the vignette seating arrangements. Whether you are getting cozy on the sofas or lounging at the glass 40-foot bar, Electra provides a relaxing atmosphere, with tunes from house, lounge, techno to eighties favorites. "There is nothing like Electra in Atlanta, that offers the package of a retro lounge, classic cocktails and the furnishings to compliment the upscale retro feel," says Blaylock. Electra is located at 3081 E. Shadowlawn Avenue, 404.Martini. The web site is www.electralounge.com. Hours are Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m Laseter's Tavern opens A new neighborhood Tavern recently opened in Kennesaw in late March called Leseter's Tavern. The 4,000 square foot tavern was formerly Reeds Grill and Bar and is now managed by Dave Jureller. Like most neighborhood watering holes, Laseter's Tavern will attract locals who like to go out and have a good time without a lot of fuss. "We want to be the place people come and hang out, get a good meal, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and watch a game or just catch up," says Jureller. The fare includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps and pastas which range from $5.95 to $7.95. Dartboard and pool table games swing into action on a nightly basis, along with video games to challenge any serious golfer. "Our location is great because there are not a lot of other tavern's in the area," says Jureller. Although the tavern is not a sports bar they expect to attract a lot of loyal game followers to watch the season on the 10 standard-sized TVs or the two 60" big screens. Laseter's Tavern is located at 3655 Cherokee Street, 678.331.8470. Hours are Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. MUSE arrives Atlanta's first Art Cafe, Muse, has opened in the Virginia-Highlands. Muse, is a full-service restaurant serving Euro-American foods and an eclectic bar menu in the lounge area. Hadi Joyce conceived the new restaurant concept along with the owners of Rue de Paris Restaurant. "We took the comfortable atmosphere of an artist cafe and added a Euro-American menu to create an affordable dining experience," explained Hadi, the Managing Partner. Virginie Beltoise along with her mother, Noelle Thomas, and sister, Sandrine Beltoise opened Rue De Paris restaurant just over 3 years ago. By the end of 2003, the family decided to bring in Hadi and they worked with designer, Thibaut Devillard, to create a new concept for the restaurant. An eclectic mix of Victorian love seats, couches and chairs were added to the bar area along with coffee tables, tall bistro tables and iron welded bar stools in strong reds and highlights of yellow. The bar itself was redesigned with a curve and an overhang to create an intimate lounge area. Separating the bar/lounge area are clear glass sheets hanging from the ceiling with clear-framed art on both sides. Even the tables have been painted and designed by local Atlanta artists. The large patio outside was redesigned along with the backlit MUSE sign hanging from a light post. To finish the new restaurant concept; local artists fill the walls with an array of consignment art&emdash;photographs, paintings and sculptures. Each month Muse rotates the artist and the artwork, accommodating an Art Show on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Muse may be Atlanta's only Art Café where you can mingle with the artist while admiring the museum quality work on the walls. Muse offers a special bar menu to accommodate the lounge area and serves a regular lunch and dinner menu. The entrees include steak, lamb, pasta, and seafood as well as vegetarian meals. The desserts, prepared almost exclusively by Noelle are 'to die for'! Muse will be hosting special "employee appreciation" events each month for major corporations based in Atlanta. And this Art Café will always host special charitable events based in the art community. MUSE Art Cafe & Lounge is located at 640 N. Highland in the Virginia-Highlands area (between Ponce de Leon & North Ave.) 404.881.8222. Hours are Lunch: Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 3:30pm, Sunday BRUNCH 11:00am - 3:30pm, Dinner: Monday - Saturday 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30pm - 11:00pm and Sunday 5:30pm - 10:00pm. Shuffling Cadillacs For the past decade, the Bar off Highway 8 in Winder, GA has been known as Cadillac Country Club. On March 19th & 20th, it was officially changed to SHUFFLES. New owners, Tim and Kay Gardner, decided to change the name of the business to truly make it their own. The Shuffles website will be launched soon at www.ShufflesBar.com. For more information 770.868.1589. METRO ATLANTA - May 2004 Muncheteria no. 6 heads for Downtown Jake's Muncheteria...Opens latest stop in Flatiron Building Big Mama Fish House... 'Mayberry' refuge in Decatur Olde Towne Tavern... Kennesaw tradition continues in Lawrenceville contributions by toni m. lublin & hud report staff writers Jake's travels downtown Jake's Ice Cream and Muncheteria has announced the opening of its sixth location in the Flatiron building Downtown at the corner of Broad and Peachtree Streets. When the doors open in May, patrons can expect to find the newest Jake's just as intimate and eclectic as the other five locations, but also decorated to reflect the age and character of one of Atlanta's oldest architectural treasures. "The Flatiron building is the oldest standing skyscraper in Atlanta, and it's the perfect setting for Atlanta's newest Jake's," says vice president of marketing, Chris Kappy. "We think that a Jake's is a perfect fit for this area," Kappy says. "Not only is it somewhere to pick up lunch, but it's also a relaxing place to spend a lunch break from work or hang out between classes. And if they want to work or study, they can take advantage of the free wireless Internet access." Jake's is known for its commitment to community involvement and improvement and plans to offer college students, firemen and policemen a discount of 10% off all menu items. The walls will be a place adorned with local artists' pieces for sale, and as is the standard for any Jake's, will house a comfortable, yet playful setting for visitors to work, read, socialize and of course, eat. Guests are encouraged to sample the frozen confection that catapulted the success of the chain, as well as to try the homemade soups, hearty salads and sandwiches that according to Jake Rothschild, founder and CEO, "are just as good as the ice cream. Our Fried Green Tomato BLT has won its share of awards, too." Jake's Ice Creams & Muncheteria is best known for such all-natural ice creams as Brown Shugah Vanilla and Nutter Nanner Elvis, as well as its continuous involvement in community improvement projects. For more information, visit www.jakesicecream.com. Big Mama in Decatur The best catch at the newly opened Big Mama Fish House in Decatur, is the selection of fresh seafood in two large display cases. Thomas Graves and his wife Mary opened Big Mama Fish House in Decatur in March. "We had a seafood restaurant called T's Seafood seven years ago, leased it out and decided to take a break. We missed the people and the business and named our newest venture after my wife," says Thomas. Customers select from 24 varieties of seafood in the case. It's cleaned, deep fried and served with a side of slaw, fries and hushpuppies. The 1st pound is priced at $1 and every additional pound at .75¢. The selections include: bass, catfish, flounder, red snapper, grouper and tilapia, to the more exotic and unusual such as porgies, frog legs, spot, gator and conch. Also available are fish sandwiches ($4.99) and combination dinner ($7.99-$9.99), for example, 1 pc fish, 3 pc shrimp and 3 pc oysters for $8.99. Fish baskets which include hushpuppies range from $4.99 to $25.99 for a 12 pc of flounder, red snapper and Orange Roughy. If you prefer, raw seafood, oysters and cooked shrimp are also available. Decatur was a good choice for the Graves to open Big Mama's. The area has drawn a lot of new businesses and customers who shop the family-owned boutiques. The interior of the restaurant is friendly and laid-back, a sort of "Mayberry" refuge in the heart of the city. "We are a real Mom & Pop place and have a very inviting atmosphere," says Thomas. Big Mama is located at 2106 Candler Road in Decatur, Georgia, 404.284.4174. Hours are Wednesday & Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Olde Town tradition continues... In 1996 the tradition began in Kennesaw, Georgia with six tables and twelve barstools at the Olde Towne Sports Grille. Like his family before him, Bill Leanos dreamed of one day owning his own restaurant. A native of Annapolis, Maryland, he is a third generation restaurateur. Bill's grandfather, on his mother's side, was in the confectionery business in Baltimore. Grandfather Leanos founded and operated Jim's Corner restaurant in Annapolis. The establishment lasted for almost one hundred years. Handed down through the family it closed in 1998 and its original site is now called Leanos park in Annapolis. The dream continued in August 2003 as Olde Towne Tavern was opened in Lawrenceville. The second location continues the sports theme but has more emphasis on the restaurant and tavern side of the business. "We want to be a restaurant with a sports bar theme, although we won't have pool tables like our other location, we will have about 50 TVs and Golden Tee," says Director of Operations Ralph Bibrey. Similar to the other location, the all-female wait staff serves a range of woodfire-grilled specialties. The "main event" includes a 10 oz. tavern sirloin for $12.99, Champions ribeye for $15.99 and baby back ribs, which are fire-roasted and smothered in BBQ sauce (half rack for $11.99, full rack for $14.99). Also available, Chicken and filets. (see Olde Towne Tavern page 7) Sporting a tavern feeling, the interior is warm and cozy with lots of brick and dark wood. The full bar is large enough to seat 50 around its U-shaped configuration. The total space of the restaurant is 8,000 square feet and a mezzanine level seats 46. Total capacity is 225. The Olde Towne Tavern and Grille is located at 835 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, 770.339.0909. Kennesaw's number 770.499.7878, www.oldett.com can also be visited. Hours of operation are Sunday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.   METRO ATLANTA - JUNE 2004 Pepperoni's Tavern bound for Alpharetta Pepperoni's Tavern... Spinoff of Pepperoni's Restaurant opened Brown Bag Cafe... Healthy & quick in Midtown Gourmet Market... Gourmet meals of convenience Johnboy's Homestyle Cooking... Opens in Snellville Fortune Berry... Southbeach Smoothies reinvents contributions by toni m. lublin & hud report staff writers Spinning off of Pepperoni's Restaurant in Duluth, a family style pizzeria, will be the Pepperoni's Tavern, located in Alpharetta. Opening day was planned for late May. Owners and life partners, Bill (see photo page 9) and Sandra Klett along with their partner Phil Brown, opened Duluth's Pepperoni's Restaurant eight years ago and were looking for the right location to do a Pepperoni's sports pub. "As we have done with our restaurant, we would like to establish the Tavern as a neighborhood place to go," says Brown. To bring in the sports bar vibe, the tavern offers five flat screen 65" TV's along with an assortment of smaller TV's. In addition to the various sports coverage, music videos will also play all day long. Customers can select from 6,000 library favorites. "When you walk into the Tavern, it really has an authentic feel. We have remolded the interior, added cobblestone and brick, hardwood floors and a very unique antique bar," says Brown. The mahogany bar, which is over 100 years old, was refinished to enhance the artesian woodwork. The interior and exterior capacity seats 188 patrons. Like the restaurant, the menu will focus on Pepperoni's favorites, deep-dish pizza (thin crust is available upon request), wings, salads and a range of pastas. The beer menu will feature 12 draft selections and 50 bottled varieties. Wine will also be offered, both by the glass and bottle, ranging from $5 (glass) to $59 (bottle). The Alpharetta area was chosen for its friendly and close-knit neighborhood. "We refer to our restaurant and now tavern, as a place to enjoy a quality, affordable meal in a causal atmosphere, and this area is perfect for our concept," says Brown. Pepperoni's Tavern is located at 4190 Old Milton Parkway, 770.343.8228. Brown baggin' it The Brown Bag Cafe, which opened in late April, is located on the street level of the contemporary Metropolis Building in midtown. It is a convenient spot to grab a healthy-quick lunch or dinner. The concept of the restaurant was a collaborative venture of owners Todd Kane, Bernie Smith and Sam Fallaw. The counter service offers patrons an extensive range of sandwiches and fixings, as well as choices of fresh pastas and homemade sauces, salads and soups (six soups are offered daily). Selections are prepared in front of the customer. Sandwich offerings include a choice of eight breads, such as Foccacia and low-carb wrap. Add-ons include a choice of nine spreads, such as sun-dried tomato and hummus, eight choices of meat, including Roast Beef and Chicken breast, six varieties of cheeses and toppings ($5.95 to $6.95). Salads are also a popular choice and offer a variety of lettuce, fresh vegetables and homemade dressings ($3.95 to $4.95). Pasta choices include Penne, Linguini, Tortellini and Tri-color Fusilli, served with a choice of homemade marinara, pesto, basil, Alfredo and Bolognese sauce ($6.50). For customers who are on low-carb diets, in addition to the low-carb breads and salads, there is a 'gourmet market' offering teas, low-carb dips, treats and even low-carb potato chips. The 80-seat cafe features large beechwood communal tables, concrete floors and exposed high ceilings, giving the interior a casual-modern atmosphere. Brown Bag Cafe is located at 945 Peachtree Street. The phone number is 404-389-0723, www.brownbagcafe.net. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Catering is also available. Parking is validated inside and curbside service is available. Gourmet Market opens The Gourmet Market is a convenient place to purchase fresh vegetables, Asian gourmet items or simply to sit in the cafe and have lunch and dinner. Owner Lillian Win has owned and operated a number of sushi franchise-type operations, and now has decided to go out on her own and create a place that is multipurpose. Win will prepare meals to-go, convenient for those evenings when you don't have time to cook. The value-priced entrees are made with fresh ingredients and include choices such as chicken broccoli ($7.95), shrimp broccoli ($9.25), spicy general Chung chicken ($8.50) or yu shiang chicken ($7.95). The interior of the market is contemporary and open with ceramic tiles and large display cases with food that is prepared and ready to take out. Win believes in doing a lot of sampling to encourage her customers to try new dishes. Her focus is on the customer and making sure they are happy and satisfied with their meal. The Gourmet Market is located at 10900 Medlock Bridge Road in Duluth, 770.495.7161. Hours of operation are Monday - Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Johnboy's cooking Bring a healthy appetite to Johnboy's Home Cooking, a new "all-you-can-eat" buffet, which opened in Snellville on May 1. Owned and operated by Jay Yoon and John Shin, the country buffet serves both hot and cold southern favorites. For $5.66 select from two large hot & cold bars. The hot bar offers homemade fried chicken, baked chicken, meat loaf, beef tipped rice, salsbury steak and pork chops. On Friday, baked and fried Fish are offered. On the cold bar various fresh vegetables, including deviled eggs, cucumber mix, apple salad, potatoes salad, coleslaw and macaroni salad are just a sampling of the choices. Dessert and ice tea is included. Homemade cherry cobbler, cheesecake and good old-fashioned Peach Cobbler round out the menu. Johnboy's is designed to seat 150. The freestanding restaurant has been well received in the community since opening with a strong repeat business from customers who love a great value, family environment and a good home cooked meal. Johnboy's Home Cooking is located at 3050 Highway 78 in Snellville, 770.979.6988. Hours are Monday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. A Fortune in smoothies FortuneBerry Smoothies and Wraps (originally operated as South Beach Smoothies), located in the Holcomb Bridge Crossing Shoppes at 1575 Old Alabama Road in Roswell celebrated it's grand re-opening on May 15. Owner Pamela Dodson, who originally operated South Beach Smoothies, has brought in new partners, Global Gourmet Group LLC, to create a new brand identity and signage, update the menu, renovate the interior and hire new staff. "Reopening as FortuneBerry Smoothies and Wraps is very exciting," says Ms. Dodson. "I've been doing business in the east Roswell community for 3 years and I'm eager to welcome all of our old friends and neighbors into what we're sure will be their favorite new restaurant." "Our smoothies are made with whole fruits, containing little or no fat and when combined with low-fat yogurt are a naturally tasty treat," according to Ms. Dodson. "Our wraps are a great alternative to boring fast food. From classic Turkey Swiss to our popular Chicken Avocado Club, we make our wraps with the freshest all-natural ingredients, wrapped to order in low-calorie flat bread. All wraps are available low-carb too." FortuneBerry Smoothies and Wraps (770.552.8377) is a fast casual restaurant serving natural fruit smoothies and signature wraps. The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Global Gourmet Group is planning to open several new FortuneBerry outlets across north Georgia in the coming months.